If we look back in history, before the invention of even the earliest alarm system, we can see the way in which people attempted to protect themselves and their possessions.
For example, the Romans relied heavily on their livestock. They used animals such as geese to alert them of any danger. They believed that intruders could easily sneak pass guard dogs or subdue them quickly, rendering them a useless form of security. They alleged that the sound that geese would make upon being interrupted would definitely wake them up and allow them to intercept any trouble.
Whilst we are sure that this worked on occasion, we think it probably didn’t hold the same degree of safety that a modern day alarm system does.
But where did the alarm system originate? And how long has it been used as a security method?
Here we will answer these questions as we take a quick look back at the history of the alarm system.
Early 1700s – A British inventor was responsible for creating the earliest model of the alarm system. Mr Tildesley worked out that by attaching chimes mechanically to his door lock, he would be alerted whenever someone attempted to open the door. This was a good idea, but we can imagine that the sound of the chimes got pretty annoying at times.
1800s – American inventor Augustus Russell Pope was the next person to make steps towards creating an alarm system, with his invention being a slight improvement on Tildesley’s.
His system operated from a battery, and relied on electricity, magnets and a bell. He mounted the bell on top of the door frame in the wall, with the idea that when it was used, an electric current would surge through a magnet and cause vibrations. He then had wires that ran from a spring in the door through a circuit breaker, which would permit the current to sound persistently when the door tripped the spring.
This system proved successful and Pope was issued a patent number for his device.
1850s – Pope becomes very ill and before dying, he sells his alarm system to Edwin Holmes. Edwin decides to take the business to NYC.
Improvements were then made to the system by a man called George Milliken. He redesigned the system to reside in the room where the homeowner sleeps. He also created springs for all doors and windows that were able to signify specific rings of the bell, so that the owner would know exactly where and when someone had entered.
1900s – The business was bought from Holmes by The American Telephone and Telegraph Company, who wanted to use it as a form of emergency call systems for the public sector.
They designed motion sensors, which implemented ultrasound waves and infrared technology.
Today – Alarms in houses are now mostly run through a wireless system, and come in a variety of types and sizes. Although generally wireless, people can still opt to have a system that is directly wired to their home electricals.
Modern day alarm systems are continuing to raise levels of public safety far beyond what early inventors like Pope could have imagined.
We hope that you find the history of the home alarm system as fascinating as we do. However, what we find even more exciting is the way that these systems are continuing to keep home owners safe from intrusions. Here at AFS Security, your safety is our number one priority. We achieve this by making sure that your home or office has the best security equipment possible. If you want to improve your property’s safety and are looking for a locksmith in Kent or the surrounding areas, please contact us today by calling 0208 471 9000 to speak to a member of our helpful team.
